Telescopic heel



May.3., 1960 M. MISTARZ TELESCOPIC HEEL Filed July 31.. 1959 iuxfi mx 1 j); jjzuvmvrok.

United The present invention relates to heels for womens shoes, and particularly, to an improved heel that is adjustable as to height.

Womens shoes, in their principal classification, are equipped with elevating heels which may take a variety of designations, be of different styles and thicknesses, and vary in height from about one inch to several inches. For Walking purposes a relatively short heel is usually preferred; for dress occasions, the heel is preferably high; and for various other occasions, it may be of intermediate heights. The dictates of fashion relative to heel height consequently impose a burden on the requirements of a womens wardrobe, which is already taxed by the need for a variety of styles, materials and colors of shoes. Also, all heel heights are not comfortable for all wearers, some, Women preferring a shorter heel than a particular style of shoe is usually equipped with, and other women preferring a. higher heel.

Because of these variations in styling and preference, heel heights of womens shoes are a constant problem to the shoe retailer and customer. There are innumerable instances when the shoe retailer has the correct size, right style, material and color in a shoe, but cannot consummate a sale because the heel is either too higho'r too low, many times by as little as a quarter of an, inch.

In light of these general observations, the object of the invention may be said to comprise the provision of a heel for womens shoes that is adjustable to accommodate variation in heel height to suit the shoes for various purposes and to accommodate adjustment of the heel to the preference of a given wearer.

As t-hus phrased, the foregoing is an accurate statement of the objective of my invention. However, it is subject, at least in the state of the art to me known, to certain limitations in that the shank of a womans shoe usually would not accommodate extremely wide variation in the height of the heel to be employed thereon. For example, it would not be feasible to attempt to convert a walking shoe having a two inch heel to a dress shoe having a four inch heel simply by adjustment of heel height, since the shank of the shoe normally would not accommodate that much adjustment. Moreover, it is to be noted that womens dress shoes, being lightweight and open Styled, are not Well suited for walking, and that shoes designed for walking do not have the style usually required of a dress shoe. Consequently, there is no need for such extreme variation in heel height. However, I have found that significant adjustment may be effected in the height of the heels on various styles of womens shoes without detriment to the appearance, physical construction and life of the shoe. In particular, I have discovered that most womens shoes admit of such degree of adjustability of heel height as will permit a high-heel dress shoe to be converted to a lower heel shoe for afternoon wear, or to be converted to a lower and more comfortable elevation for occasions when the wearer expects to be on her feet a considerable portion of the time, all

Without diminution of the high fashion style of the shoe. Similarly, relatively low-heel spectator type shoes may be converted to a somewhat higher heel for evening wear on relatively informal occasions. Consequently, the user,

is afforded a dual or multiple purpose shoe. By virtue of such degree of adjustability, the shoe retailer is afiorded means for assuring customer. satisfaction in the face of what would heretofore have been a heel height problem. Also, such degree of adjustability is accommodated as to permit a given .wearer to adjust heel height to her particular preference. This is especially important for women having a slight variation in leg length, which is a more frequently encountered problem than one would imagine. Thus, the stated object of the invention, even though subject to certain limitations consequent upon the shank construction and the design or styling of womens shoes, affords marked advantages to the wearer.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an adjustable heel for womens shoes affording the advantages above noted and embodied in such form as to mitigate visual differentiation between it and a conventional heel.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide an adjustable heel for womens shoes comprising a body portion of the same size and style as conventionally employed on a womans shoe of given styling, an extension telescopically mounted in said body for adjustable outward projection therefrom, and means for infinitely varying the degree of projection of said extension from said body.

As thus constituted, the heel affords the further advantage that fewer styles and sizes of heels are required by shoe repairmen for replacement of broken and worn-out heels, since a single heel formed according to the invention can readily be adapted to a variety of different heights to match the height of theheels originally provided on the shoes.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an adjustable heel as above defined wherein the height of said body portion is not less than the minimum heel height accommodated by the shank and styling of the shoe, and the combined height of the body portion and the extension, when said extension is fully projected, is not greater than the maximum heel heightaccommodated by the shank and styling of the shoe.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an improved adjustable heel including a small instrumentality extending to the breast face of the heel immediately below the sole of the shank portion of the shoe for manually effecting infinite adjustment in the degree of projection of said extension, said instrumentality due to itssize and location being practically unnoticeable.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable heel as defined wherein the extension is comprised of a suitable material to serve as the heel lift, thereby to afford a life-time heel for the shoe.

Additional objects of the. invention include the provision of means for locking the extension in adjusted position, means for guiding the extension in its movement and to accommodate casting of the body portion of the heel directly about the extension and its actuating means, and means to close the heel about its adjusting means to prevent entry of foreign matter thereto.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of making and using my improved heel, I shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawing, a preferred embodiment of my improved heel and preferred manners of making the same. i'

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a womans shoe showing the heel of the present invention associated therewith, the heel being depicted in solid lines in its retracted or minimum height position and in dotted lines in its extended or maximum height position;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section of a preferred embodiment of the heel of the invention; and

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the heel adjusting mechanism provided according to the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure l, I have shown a conventional style of womans shoe, indicated generally at 10, which shoe includes a last portion 12, a shank portion 14, a sole 16 extending over the lower surfaces of the last and shank portions, and a heel 18, the heel depicted comprising a preferred em-. bodiment of the heel of the present invention.

The constructional details of the preferred embodiment of my improved heel are shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heel comprising a heel body 20 of a style and size compatible with the styling of the shoe 10, a reciproc'able extension. Thus, rotation of the nut will effect reciprocation of the screw and the extension. To facilitate threading of the screw through the nut and into the heel extension, the heel body is provided at its upper end with a bore communicating with the bore in the housing 26 and the screw is provided with akerf on its upper end accessible by means of ,atscrew driver insertable through the said bores.

To accommodate access to the nut for permitting manual rotation thereof and vertical adjustment of the extension 22, the heel body 20 is provided with a transverse opening 36 therein as close to the top of the heel f as is conveniently possible, the opening being aligned extension 22 telescopically mounted in the body 20 for variable projection therefrom to vary the height of the heel within the limits accommodated by the shank of the shoe, and an adjusting mechanism, indicated generally at 24, encased within the housing for effecting relative reciprocation of the extension 22.

The adjusting mechanism 24 is comprised of at least a main housing member 26, an extensible member 28 reciprocable in the housing 26 and an actuator 30 for efiecting reciprocation of the member. 28. The extensible member 28 and its actuator 30 preferably comprise a screw and a nut, respectively, whereby rotation of the nut will effect reciprocation of the screw. To mount the screw and nut, the housing 26 is provided with an elongate cylindrical bore therethrough for slidable reception of the screw, and a bearing portion 32 at the lower end thereof for journalling the nut thereon. Preferably, the bore is only slightly larger than the screw and the screw is formed with a square thread so as to derive accurate bearing support from the housing. To facilitate assembly of the described components, the bearing portion 32 of the housing comprises an oblong enlargement having a transversely open recess therein for reception of a circular nut body between spaced parallel surfaces which act to retain the nut against axial movement and yet accommodate rotation thereof. The nut 30 is thus insertable into the recess from the side of the housing, and the screw is insertable into the bore from the top of the housing and is adapted to be threaded into the nut to effect assembly of the components either before or after association of the housing with the heel body 20. To afford an accurate bearing for the nut, the lower Wall of the enlargement is preferably slotted and the nut 30 is provided with a reduced cylindrical extension adapted with the nut 30 to accommodate projection of the nut to the breast face of the heel. The nut is of such diameter that only the peripheral edge thereof projects exteriorly of the heel, and this edge is preferably serrated or knurled to facilitate manual rotation of the nut. Thus,

the nut is exposed for convenient manipulation to effect adjustment of the height of the heel. Yet the nut is effectively hidden from view due to concealment thereof by the shank portion 14 of the shoe.

Vertical reciprocation of the extension 22 is limited in the'upward direction by'engagement of the extension with the lower surface of the housing 26. To limit movement in the downward direction, the thread of the screw terminates in spaced relation to the upper end of the screw, and the thread is-of such character that the screw body defines a positive abutment preventing threading of the screw downwardly through the nut. The total permissible movement of the extension may be varied quite widely, but I have found a movement of fiveeights to three-fourths of an inch to be desirable and readily accommodated. The length of the extension is such as to accommodate the movement for which the adjusting mechanism is designed, and is of such length relative to the distance between the lower surface of i the housing 26 and the lower end of the body 20 that a 1 The lift portion 22a on the extension may be colored as to be received in the slot in journalled relation to the v V housing.

As shown in Figure 2, the main housing member 26 is imbeded in the upper end portion of the heel body, and the body is provided therebelow with a bore 34 aligned with the screw 28 for reception therein of the extension 22. The extension 22 and the bore 34 in which it is received are of complementary non-circular cross-section, so that the extension cannot rotate within the heel body.

Preferably, the cross-section of the extension is that of the lower end portion of a customary heel for the type of shoe to which my improved heel is applied. Within the upper end portion thereof, the extension 22 is provided with a tapped bore for reception of the lower end of the screw 28, the screw being threaded tightly into the ex tension so as effectively to unite the two. Consequently, the screw and the extension are mounted for conjoint reciprocation as a unit and are retained against rotation by the complementary surfaces of the heel body and conventional, or may actually comprise a lift.

The heel components above described may be assembled essentially in two manners, i.e., by first forming the heel body and then mounting the adjusting mechanism and extension therein, or by directly casting the heel about the adjusting mechanism. In the former case, which assembly is illustrated in Figure 2, the heel body is formedwith the bore 34 and opening 36 therein,

and with an enlarged bore 38 in the upper end portion' of the heel, the bore being of a size to accommodate entry therein of the enlargement 32 of the housing 26. The adjustingmechanism is then inserted in the bore 38 with the lower surface of the portion 32 abutting the shoulder defined between the bores 34 and 38 and the peripheral edge of the nut extending into the opening 36. Then, the bore may be filled with plaster or like filler, as indicated at 40, to secure the housing 26 within the heel body. To insure fixed retention of the housing in the body, the housing preferably is rectangular in cross-section and includes lateral projections thereby to prevent shifting of the housing after hardening of the filler.

In the event the heel body is to be cast directly about prises a sleeve 42extending from the lower end of the heel body to the lower end of the main housing member 26 and cooperating with the latter to form a complete housing means for the movable cmponents of the heel assembly. The sleeve preferably includes a radially extending flange at its upper end, by means of which it may be fixedly secured to the main housing 26.as desired. The internal configuration of the sleeve is complementary to the non-circular cross-section of the extension 22, and the external configuration thereof is also preferably non-circular so that the sleeve will be positively held against rotation within the heel body. With complete housing means being provided by the main housing 26 and the sleeve 42, the heel body may be cast directly about the housing'and the housing-will define the necessary bores for reception of the movable components of the heel. The bore in the heel body communicating with the axial bore in the housing 26, and the opening 36 in the front of the heel for reception of the nut 30, may be formed either in the casting operation or subsequent thereto, all as is well-known in the casting and molding arts.

As thus disposed, the sleeve 42 provides an accurate hearing or guide for the heel extension 22 and reduces frictional resistance to movement of the extension. Further to decrease frictional resistance, the extension may be relieved slightly below an upper bearing portion 22b thereof so as to minimize contact between the extension and the sleeve.

In addition to the foregoing, I prefer to incorporate in my improved heel construction a cover plate 44 for the opening 36 to prevent entry of foreign matter into the adjusting mechanism, and to provide lock means for the said mechanism. In its preferred embodiment, the cover plate 44 comprises a metal flap hingedly connected to the flange of the sleeve 42 by a conventional hinge construction 46, the flap being adapted to close the opening 36 and including a spring clasp 48 cooperable with a depression in or a small protrusion on the main housing 26 for detachably holding the flap in closed position. In the main surface portion thereof, the flap is provided with a bulged protrusion 50 complementary to the peripheral edge portion of the nut 30 for reception of a portion of the nut therein. As illustrated in Figure 3, this protrusion is knurled (at least on its interior surface) so as to inter-engage with the knurled exterior surface of the nut thereby to lock the nut in adjusted position. Consequently, the extension 22 is retained in adjusted position and the nut is shielded against inadvertent movement thereof, whereby the extension will not be subject to accidental variation in its adjustment.

As thus constituted, the heel is capable of ready adjustment throughout a significant distance to accommodate variation in the heel height of the shoe with which associated. The heel may be readily adjusted to suit different occasions or purposes, according to the whim of the wearer, and may also be readily adjusted to adapt the shoe to the greatest comfort of the wearer. By forming the extension 22 entirely of a suitable wearing material, the entire extension may constiute a lift for the heel, thereby to provide life-time heels for womens shoes. Also, shoe repairmen may utilize this heel to replace broken or unduly worn heels of a conventional style on-womens shoes. The repairmen may replace the heels on both shoes, or may, if desired, replace simply the broken heel on one shoe and then adjust .the heel of this invention to the same height as the remaining original heel on the other shoe. To facilitate adjustment of the heels of each pair of shoes to the same degree, the front surface of the extension 22 is preferably provided with scored graduations, 52, or the like, to facilitate equal adjustment of the heels. In view of the described structure and the mode of operation thereof, it is apparent that all of the objects and advantages of the invention have been shown herein to be attained 6 ina convenient, expeditious, economical and practical manner.

It is to be observed that I have not specified any particular materials of construction or any particular form and'style of heel for the reason that I contemplate use according to my invention of all materials that will attain its objects, insuch form and/or size of heel as conditions may require.

While I have shown what I regard to be the preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein. For example, the guide sleeve 42 is not required in all embodiments. Where used, it is not necessary that the guide sleeve be either permanently attached to or separate from the main housing 26 of the adjusting mechanism. Likewise, the cover plate 44 may be provided or omitted as desired. When provided, the cover may be pivotally mounted on the flange of the guide sleeve, on a separate flange, or directly on the main housing 26. Similarly, other variations may be effected in the disclosed structure, all within the skill of the art. Accordingly, such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. An adjustable heel for a womans shoe comprising a heel body compatible with the styling of the shoe to be attached to the shoe, an extension telescopically mounted in said body for adjustable projection from the lower end thereof, said body tapering downwardly toward and substantially merging with the peripheral surface of said extension at its lower end, and means carried by said body and operatively associated with said extension for adjusting the degree of projection of said extension from said body, said means being located at the breast face of said heel adjacent the upper end thereof.

2. An adjustable heel for womens shoes comprising an adjusting mechanism including hollow housing means, an extensible member reciprocable in said housing means and an actuator carried by said housing means and operatively associated with said extensible member for effecting reciprocation thereof, a heel body cast about said housing means with its vertical axis substantially parallel to the axis of said housing means, said heel body having an opening in the lower end thereof communicating with the interior of said housing means and a transverse opening in the breast face of said heel communicating with said actuator, and a heel extension slidably mounted in the lower end portion of said housing means and connected with said extensible member for variable projection from the lower end of said body.

3. An adjustable heel for womens shoes comprising an adjusting mechanism including hollow housing means, an extensible member reciprocable in said housing means and an actuator carried by said housing means and operatively associated with said extensible member for effecting reciprocation thereof, a heel body cast about said housing means with its vertical axis parallel to the axis of said housing means, said heel body having an opening in the lower end thereof communicating with j the interior of said housing means and a transverse opening in the front surface thereof communicating with said actuator, and a heel extension slidably mounted in the lower end portion of said housing means and connected with said extensible member for variable projection from the lower end of said heel body, said adjusting mechanism including a removable cover for said transverse opening in said heel body, said cover including means cooperable with said actuator in the closed position thereof for locking said actuator in adjusted position.

4. An adjustable heel for womens shoes comprising a heel body to be attached to a shoe, a housing member encased in the upper portion of said body and having a vertical bore therethrough, said body having a bore therein aligned with the bore in said housing memher and opening to the lower end of said body, an elongate screw reciprocably mounted in said bores in said housing and said body, a nut jou'rnalled on said body and retained thereby against movement axially of said bore, said screw being threaded into said nut, and a heel extension reciprocably mounted in said bore in said body and connected with said screw, said extension and said bore being of complementary non-circular cross-section whereby said extension and said screw are retained against rotation relative to saidbody, the peripheral edges of said nut projecting to the exterior of said body at the front surface thereof for accommodating manual rotation of said nut and adjustment of the degree of projection of said extension from said body. 7

5. An adjustable heel for womens shoes as set forth 'in claim4, including a guideisleeve encased in the lower v 8 portion of said body and defining the said bore in said body, said sleeve receiving said extension and guiding the same for reciprocable movement relative to said body. 6. An adjustable heel for womens shoes as set forth in claim 4, including a cover for closing over the outwardly projecting peripheral edge portionof said nut for preventing entry of foreign matter to the interior of the heel, said cover including portions interengageable with the peripheral edge portion of-said nut for locking the nut in adjusted position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED. STATES PATENTS 2,767,489 Sturman Oct. 23, 1956 2,888,755 Bartolucci June 2, 1959 

